Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 175 Unleashing a powerful attack right up to Lionel's face.

Lionel never imagined that the man Maupassant would bring back was Debussy, who would later be revered as the "father of Impressionist music."

His musical style played a crucial role in the development of music throughout Europe.

Debussy, but even Debussy is too young now—slender figure, youthful face, he looks like a teenager.

Becoming a master is a matter for many years to come; what Lionel needs now is at least a "skilled worker" in music composition.

Seeing Lionel's expression, Maupassant immediately guessed what he was thinking.

Maupassant patted Debussy's shoulder forcefully: "Léon, please believe in Achille. Although he is only 17 years old and still a student at the Paris Conservatory..."

But his talent far surpasses that of those pedantic old men.

That day, I had just finished enjoying myself at "Rose House" and was drawn to his piano music as I went downstairs—it was a melody I had never heard before, so captivating, so enchanting…

I even regained my energy immediately and went upstairs to find Emily again.

Debussy's face flushed again: "That's what the boss asked me to do, to play some music that would make the guests happy—I'm actually better at that..."

Maupassant paid no attention to that and continued sharing: "The second time I went downstairs, it was already 2 a.m. — Ha, Leon, I'm always this strong — I bought him a drink."

He told me that he wrote all of these pieces himself! Written by himself? Can you believe it? That's genius!
Just as you and I are literary geniuses, he is a musical genius! Leon, he's the perfect choice!

Hearing this, Debussy mustered his courage and puffed out his chest: "Mr. Sorel, you can try me. If you're not satisfied, you can find someone else!"

Lionel: "..." He was completely bewildered, unsure whether this was a coffee shop or "Rose House".

Finally, Lionel could only sigh: "Alright, let's hear it then."

He pointed to the old upright piano in the corner of the café: "Please, Mr. Debussy."

Most of the larger cafes and bars in Paris have pianos, and sometimes they invite relatively unknown musicians to play, as a way to attract customers.

Seeing the group heading towards the piano, the café owner quickly came out from behind the counter: "Hey, gentlemen, the piano isn't on the menu!"

Maupassant took 10 sous coins out of his pocket and placed them on the table: "And now?"

The shopkeeper picked up the coin and smiled: "Enjoy it—but it can't be too awful."

Debussy then sat down at the piano, and several customers in the café curiously looked up at him.

He tried a few notes first, and the piano seemed a little out of tune, but he didn't seem to care.

Debussy closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then gently placed his fingers on the piano keys.

It begins with a gentle melody, like the Seine in the morning mist, hazy and beautiful.

Then the notes gradually became more complex, creating a unique and interwoven melody.

Debussy's playing style was completely different from the classical music that Lionel had heard—it was freer, more colorful, as if painting with sound.

The conversation in the café gradually subsided, and everyone was drawn to the unusual music.

Even passersby outside the window stopped and peered inside through the glass.

Maupassant winked smugly at Lionel, as if to say, "I told you so."

As the music ended, sincere and enthusiastic applause filled the café; Debussy bowed slightly, then turned to Lionel, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Lionel had to admit that the boy was indeed a genius.

This piece alone was enough for him to establish himself in Paris—after all, Parisians have the highest level of musical literacy in Europe.

Families with an annual income exceeding 3000 francs typically attend several operas or concerts each year. The fact that the café patted them on the back shows that Debussy's performance was indeed excellent.

But he still needs to conduct further tests—he needs a skilled musician who can work with him to complete the piece within a month.

If one takes their time and meticulously crafts a piece, it might take months to finish just two songs, which wouldn't meet the requirements even for a genius.

So Lionel's tone was cautious: "Very good, but now I'm going to give you a challenge."

Then Lionel immersed himself in his memories, dug out a melody from the depths of his hippocampus, and then hummed the first few bars softly.

Less than 30 seconds later, Lionel stopped and asked, "Can you complete a piece based on what I just hummed?"
I can give you one day. We'll meet here again tomorrow...

Maupassant mocked him from the side: "Léon, you sing terribly...no wonder you never come with us..."

“Two minutes… Mr. Sorel, I only need two minutes.” Debussy interrupted Maupassant, leaving Lionel completely bewildered.

Isn't this kind of coolness something only the main character can pull off?

How could this boy, who is not even 18 years old, be allowed to use his ultimate skill so close to the face?

Debussy closed his eyes, his fingers hovering above the piano keys, as if trying to catch the scattered notes in the air.

Maupassant, however, wore a mischievous grin, the meaning clear—"You've finally met your match!"

Just a few dozen seconds later—maybe less than two minutes—his fingers fell, first accurately repeating the melody Lionel hummed, then naturally and smoothly unfolding variations and developments.

The music he created was even richer and more emotional than the original music Lionel remembered.

The music was plaintive yet full of hope, perfectly conveying a sense of tranquility, elegance, hope, and light.

As the last note faded into the air, the café fell silent, then erupted in even louder applause.

Debussy turned to face Lionel, his eyes shining brightly: "Sir, I have never heard this music before... so it must belong to a story about redemption, right?"
I can hear in the music... a journey from darkness to light.

Lionel: "..." Enough already! How can you do something like this twice, right up against the protagonist's face and unleashing your ultimate skill!

But Lionel was indeed very shocked.

Debussy was able to guess the theme of the play he wanted to write from just a few notes Debussy hummed.

Such intuition and insight are indeed something only geniuses possess.

Lionel finally smiled: "You're right, absolutely right."

He extended his hand to Debussy: "I think we can cooperate. We need to work closely together throughout October!"

Debussy was also somewhat moved, and grasped Lionel's hand: "Thank you, sir! I don't know about the payment..."

Lionel smiled: "200 francs, not a penny less."

Debussy became even more excited, his fair face turning even redder.

The group sat back down at the coffee table, and Debussy asked, "Mr. Sorel, could you tell me roughly what kind of story you're going to write?"

This way I can prepare in advance!

Lionel paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Ashir, you were right just now. This story is about redemption and hope."

Its name is "The Choir"—ha, so I need a musician to compose music for me.

In 1870, a music teacher named Clement Mathieu arrived at a church-run reformatory called "Bottom of the Pond"...

(End of this chapter)